EASD Research Articles

Comprehensive Review of Pharmacological Therapies and Clinical Guidelines for Diabetes Mellitus: A Depth Study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a colossal burden in global health, its prevalence increases steadily throughout the world. This systematic review explores the pathophysiology and epidemiology of diabetes, which describes the interactions that implicate that is the result of the play between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in the development and progression of the disease. The review also describes a plethora of pharmacological treatments available to manage diabetes, with the oral agent, insulin regimens, and new approaches to therapy. Integrating the wisdom of the best clinical guidelines, those are from American diabetes association (ADA), European association for the study of diabetes (EASD), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Since these reviews are consistent with normative standards for evidence-based recommendations of optimal care of diabetes. The review goes further to cover technological advances in the management of diabetes. They include Continuous Glucose Monitoring, advanced insulin delivery systems, and Artificial Pancreas Systems. Such technologies hold more promising routes to better glucose control and patient quality of life. All this comes along with challenges that their deployment and maintenance that run through economic, adherence issues, and unequal access to healthcare. The future research and innovation in the battle against DM will include the application of personalized medicine and the development of advanced digital health solutions. This article will become a treasure for health professionals, researchers, and policymakers who have dedicated themselves to battling the adversities of diabetes mellitus.

Review of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting 2024

Review of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting 2024

Impact of ADA Guidelines and Medication Shortage on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Prescribing Trends in the UK: A Time-Series Analysis with Country-Specific Insights

Background: Several GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Their cardio- and renal-protective effects and their association with substantial weight loss have been evident and progressively expanded their role in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, which are endorsed by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). The increased demand led to a global shortage. Methods: We utilized a repeated cross-sectional design, drawing data from national prescribing databases, to analyze six GLP-1 RAs: Dulaglutide, Exenatide, Liraglutide, Lixisenatide, Semaglutide, and Tirzepatide. AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models with exogenous variables were applied to assess the trends over time and in different regions. Results: The prescription rates significantly differ between regions. Wales shows the highest prescribing rate for most GLP-1 RAs. The ARIMA models indicated a significant increase in their prescribing rates after the release of the 2022 ADA guidelines (e.g., Dulaglutide: Post-ADA effect of 15.22, 95% CI: [12.97, 17.47]). Following the GLP-1 RA shortages in July 2023, the prescribing rates, particularly for Semaglutide, increased (Shortage effect: 74.36, 95% CI: [71.92, 76.80]). Model diagnostics, including the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Durbin–Watson statistics, confirmed the robustness of these trends. Conclusions: Informed decisions should be made by considering the prescribing trends before and after important events such as the issuing of new guidelines or safety alerts.

The use of composite endpoints in cardiovascular outcome trials for diabetes: A review of 22 randomized clinical trials published since 2008.

To describe the use of composite endpoints (CEs) in cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) of type 2 diabetes and to evaluate the significance of the individual outcomes included within these CEs from the perspectives of both patients and clinicians. Secondary objectives were to estimate the gradient of treatment effects and events across outcomes. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials assessing CV outcomes for patients with diabetes from 2008 and onwards. Trials were identified by searching the reports from the CVOT Summit of the Diabetes & CV Disease EASD (European Association for the Study of Diabetes) Study Group. The individual outcomes comprising the CE were compared for differences in importance for patients and clinicians, proportion of events, and effect size. We included 22 trials randomizing a mean of 8098 patients to an active intervention or a comparator group for an average of 33 months (standard deviation 16). All primary outcomes were CEs, and from a patient perspective there was no gradient of importance across outcomes in 22 of 22 (100%) CEs, while the gradient was small in 22 of 22 (100%) from a clinician perspective. The gradient of effect was moderate to large in 9 of 18 (50%) reporting studies, while assessment of events was available in 15 of 22 studies (68%), finding that three of 15 (20%) had a gradient of effect of more than 5% points between included outcomes. In 10 of 22 (45%) trial reports, the results were not clearly presented as based on a CE. To avoid misinterpretation, clinicians and regulatory authorities should be careful when interpreting the results of trials, of which the main outcomes are CEs.

Transition between paediatric and adult diabetes healthcare services: An online global survey of healthcare professionals’ experiences and perceptions

IntroductionYouth with diabetes should transition from paediatric to adult diabetes services in a deliberate, organized and cooperative way. We sought to identify healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experiences and perceptions around transition readiness planning, policies and procedures, and the actual transfer to adult services. MethodsData were collected via an online global survey (seven language options), broadly advertised by the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), team members and partners, via newsletters, websites, e-mails and social media. ResultsRespondents (n = 372) were mainly physicians (74.5 %), practicing in government funded (59.4 %), paediatric (54.0 %), metropolitan settings (85.8 %) in Europe (44.9 %); 37.1 % in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Few centers used a transition readiness checklist (32.8 %), provided written transition information (29.6 %), or had a dedicated staff member (23.7 %). Similarly, few involved a psychologist (25.8 %), had combined (35.2 %) or transition/young person-only clinics (34.9 %), or a structured transition education program (22.6 %); 49.8 % advised youth to use technology to assist the transfer.Most (91.9 %) respondents reported barriers in offering a good transition experience. Proportionally, more respondents from LMICs prioritised more funding (p = 0.01), a structured protocol (p < 0.001) and education (p < 0.001). ConclusionHCPs’ experiences and perceptions related to transition vary widely. There is a pressing need for an international consensus transition guideline.

Hyperglycaemic crises in adults with diabetes: a consensus report

The American Diabetes Association (ADA), European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care (JBDS), American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) and Diabetes Technology Society (DTS) convened a panel of internists and diabetologists to update the ADA consensus statement on hyperglycaemic crises in adults with diabetes, published in 2001 and last updated in 2009. The objective of this consensus report is to provide up-to-date knowledge about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) in adults. A systematic examination of publications since 2009 informed new recommendations. The target audience is the full spectrum of diabetes healthcare professionals and individuals with diabetes.

Hyperglycemic Crises in Adults With Diabetes: A Consensus Report.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA), European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care (JBDS), American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE), and Diabetes Technology Society (DTS) convened a panel of internists and diabetologists to update the ADA consensus statement on hyperglycemic crises in adults with diabetes, published in 2001 and last updated in 2009. The objective of this consensus report is to provide up-to-date knowledge about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) in adults. A systematic examination of publications since 2009 informed new recommendations. The target audience is the full spectrum of diabetes health care professionals and individuals with diabetes.

Beneficial Effects of Low Carbohydrate Diet (LCD) with Recently Emerged Solid Evidence

Various discussions have continued concerning low carbohydrate diet (LCD) and calorie restriction (CR). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) have gradually recognized LCD as the recommendation for nutritional treatment. Recent reports have shown the predominance of LCD with clinical evidence from the accumulated data of the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), with analyses of total LCD scores (TLCDS). Using TLCDS to analyze 139 thousand person-years, the hazard ratio (HR) of total mortality was 0.87 for TLCDS and 0.76 for vegetable (VLCDS). Authors continue developing LCD activities through the Japan LCD Promotion Association (JLCDPA).

Can COVID-19 Help Us Deliver Whole-System Holistic Healthcare?

The 7ᵗʰ Joint Symposium between the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) took place on the 2ⁿᵈ–6ᵗʰ October in Hamburg, Germany. In an engaging session examining the impact of COVID-19 on new healthcare models, experts provided insights into whole-system approaches for diabetes, and opportunities for improvement in patient outcomes via telemedicine.

Review of the 59th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting

On 2nd October, Chantal Mathieu, European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) President, welcomed the more than 11,000 participants to the EASD’s 59th Annual Meeting. This year, Hamburg, Germany, played host to what Mathieu introduced as "scientific fireworks," while the city celebrated German Unity Day.

Equity Versus Equality: A Spotlight on Health Inequalities

THE Primary Care Diabetes Europe (PCDE) study group shared the results of its educational projects focused on health inequalities in diabetes, in a symposium titled ‘A Spotlight on Health Inequalities by Gender, Ethnicity, and Migration Status’. The session was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2023 Annual Meeting, chaired by Pinar Topsever, Acıbadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye, and PCDE Board Member.

EASD 2023 Abstract Highlights

The following highlights spotlight abstracts presented at the 59th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting. Selected abstracts cover pertinent and timely topics, including cardiopulmonary performance in patients with Type 2 diabetes and obesity, and gestational diabetes screening in early pregnancy.

Precision Medicine in Diabetes

THE 59th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) took place in Hamburg, Germany, as well as virtually. With exciting new developments in diabetes treatment in the forefront of our minds, as described by the EASD President, Chantal Mathieu, presenter Paul Franks from Lund University, Sweden, took to the stage to deliver ‘ADA/EASD Precision Medicine in Diabetes Initiative: Executive Summary of the Second Consensus Report’. Franks provided the key updates to the consensus, published on 5th October 2023, only hours before the presentation.

THU250 Therapeutic Inertia In Primary Care With Poor Information Transfer To Specialist Care - A Rural Irish Experience

Abstract Disclosure: C.T. Coughlan: None. T.M. O'Sullivan: None. M.C. O'Donovan: None. M.J. Hannon: None. The burden of diabetes management in Ireland is shared between primary care physicans and specialists in secondary care, using current international management guidelines (1). However, long waiting lists and resource constraints limit the ability of secondary care to respond rapidly to all referrals. This study was designed to identify missed opportunities for early intervention in the management of diabetes in primary care. Written referrals of diabetes patients from primary care physicians to a specialist endocrinology service in a rural Irish hospital were audited to assess both the appropriateness of the referrals and to identify any missed opportunities for starting adjunctive treatments in primary care. We analysed all 74 referrals - mean age 58, 45% female – that were on the hospital diabetes clinic waiting list at the time of data collection. 61/74 (82%) had type 2 diabetes. The average time between date of referral and date of data collection was 231 days. Only 43/74 (58%) included a HbA1c value in the referral document. Of the type 2 diabetes referrals, only 12/61 (20%) included a BMI value. Mean HbA1c in the type 2 diabetes cohort was 71 mmol/mol (8.6%), and mean BMI was 30.6 kg/m2. Despite this, 19/61 (40%) were on monotherapy at time of referral, only 15/61 (25%) were on a GLP1 analog, and only 17/61 (28%) were on an SGLT2 inhibitor. Of the type 2 patients with documented BMI &amp;gt; 30 kg/m2, only 2/5 (40%) were on a GLP1 analog and only 2/5 (40%) were on an SGLT2 inhibitor. Lipid values were included in the referrals of 26/74 patients (35%), and blood pressure values in 25/74 (34%). Despite this, 44/74 (59%) were on a statin and 40/74 (54%) were on an ACE inhibitor or ARB. The renal function (serum creatinine or eGFR) was provided in 22/74 (30%), and information regarding microalbuminuria was provided in only 12/74 (16%). Foot examination was documented in 13/74 referrals (18%), and retinal screening status was documented in 17/74 (23%). Given the exponential increase in the numbers of patients with obesity and diabetes and increasing evidence on the importance of early multifactorial risk reduction, it is essential that cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes complications are documented and appropriate initial management commenced while patients await secondary care evaluation. Our study shows that referrals lack critical information which makes appropriate prioritization difficult. Also, the major classes of oral hypoglycaemic agents are under utilized in primary care, which exposes patients to damaging hyperglycaemia for an unnecessarily long time prior to secondary care evaluation. 1. Davies MJ, Aroda VR, Collins BS, Gabbay RA, Green J, Maruthur NM, et al. Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, 2022. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetologia. 2022;65(12):1925-66. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

The role of weight control in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Perspectives on semaglutide

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are widely used to address multiple aspects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, including glycaemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular risk reduction. Semaglutide, a well-established GLP-1 RA approved for T2DM treatment and weight management, demonstrates marked efficacy in achieving these clinically important goals. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) consensus report emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to T2DM treatment, with weight control as a key component for improving patient outcomes. Notably, semaglutide is mentioned in the consensus report as having 'very high' efficacy for both glucose lowering and weight loss in T2DM treatment. Nevertheless, as has been observed with other weight-lowering drugs, weight loss observed with semaglutide appears less profound in individuals with T2DM than in those with obesity without T2DM, a phenomenon requiring further investigation. The semaglutide safety and tolerability profiles are well established, and it is approved in some countries to reduce cardiovascular risk in certain populations with T2DM. Thus, semaglutide offers a well-established therapeutic option that aligns well with guideline recommendations for T2DM management, emphasizing the high importance of weight control and amelioration of other cardiometabolic risk factors.

Awareness Of Use Of GLP-1 Agonists In The Treatment Of Diabetes Mellitus In Pakistan.

Madam, Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common metabolic disease worldwide. A quarter of Pakistan’s adult population is affected by DM. In Pakistan, the popular mono-therapy for treating both pre-diabetic and diabetic patients is metformin. For Metformin is combined with exogenous insulin/sitagliptin/sulphonylureas for dual therapy.1 Multiple studies over the past decade have shown encouraging results for GLP-1 analogues, especially semaglutide. The 2022 American Diabetic Association (ADA) and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) guidelines refer to semaglutide as a highly efficacious drug with minuscule side effects.2 They are the most efficacious drugs in reducing HBA1c among all the prescribed drugs for DM.3 In patients already taking metformin, the addition of subcutaneous semaglutide showed almost double the reduction in HBA1c than the addition of any other drug.3 In obese patients with DM, the weight reduction with semaglutide is significant than all other available medications, followed by its sister drug liraglutide.4 Recent studies also confirmed the added benefit of this class being cardioprotective and renoprotective, contrary to a belief once held about it.5 As of the studies done till now, the only majorly reported side effect of this drug is nausea and vomiting. Internationally, physicians have started to widely prescribe this class of drug after their inclusion as the top recommended drug in ADA and EASD. We suggest that the physicians be educated on the mechanism of this drug in conferences and presentations. This will help raise awareness in the doctor’s community of Pakistan. This drug can prove fruitful in preventing the progression of DM to diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy, which can save countless lives and millions to our economy in pharmaceutical drugs.

On the occasion of the centennial of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1923: Nicolae C. Paulescu-between scientific creativity and political fanatism.

On the occasion of the centennial of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1923: Nicolae C. Paulescu-between scientific creativity and political fanatism.

De American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes-consensus van 2022 en de implicaties voor België

The ADA/EASD consensus 2022 and its implications for Belgium During the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) congress in Stockholm, the new consensus guideline for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes was presented. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the EASD plead for a holistic, patient-centered approach surrounded by a team of healthcare professionals. The consensus focuses on a patient-tailored pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach taking into account patient-specific comorbidities. Striving for sustainable weight reduction should be the cornerstone of any therapeutic intervention in type 2 diabetes. The early initiation of combination therapy is recommended to avoid therapeutic inertia and to increase the time to therapeutic failure. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) remain the first choice for patients with established cardiorenal disease or high-risk patients, possibly in combination with metformin. In the absence of cardiovascular or renal disease, the medication selection should be driven by weight control, obtaining glycemic control and the avoidance of hypoglycemia. Here again, SGLT2i and GLP1-RA shine because of their good safety profile and highly favorable effects on weight, glucose and blood pressure. Thanks to the b(l)ooming development of new antidiabetic medication for type 2 diabetes, adding insulin to the treatment plan can often be postponed to later stages of the disease. When insulin is required, the combined initiation with a GLP1-RA should be considered as they allow lower glycemic targets to be reached with a lower injection burden, a lower risk of hypoglycemia and lower weight gain than with insulin alone.

Standards of Specialized Diabetes Care / Edited by Dedov I.I., Shestakova M.V., Mayorov A.Yu. 11th Edition

Dear Colleagues!We are glad to present the 11th Edition of the Standards of Specialized Diabetes Care. These evidence-based guidelines were designed to standardize and facilitate diabetes care in all regions of the Russian Federation.The Standards are updated on the regular basis to incorporate new data and relevant recommendations from national and international clinical societies, including World Health Organization Guidelines (WHO), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) and Russian Association of Endocrinologists (RAE). Current edition of the “Standards” also integrates results of completed randomized clinical trials, as well as findings from the national studies of diabetes mellitus (DM), conducted in close partnership with a number of Russian hospitals.Latest data indicates that prevalence of DM in the world increased during the last decade more than two-fold, reaching some 537 million patients by the end of 2021. According to the current estimation by the International Diabetes Federation, 643 million patients will be suffering from DM by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.Like many other countries, Russian Federation experiences a sharp rise in the prevalence of DM. According to Russian Federal Diabetes Register, there are at least 4 962 762 patients with DM in this country on 01.01.2023 (3,42% of population) with 92,3% (4 581 990) – Type 2 DM, 5,6% (277 092) – Type 1 DM and 2,1% (103 680) – other types of DM, including 8 758 women with gestational DM. However, these results underestimate real quantity of patients, because they consider only registered cases. Results of Russian epidemiological study (NATION) confirmed that 54% of patients with Type 2 DM are undiagnosed. So real number of patients with DM in Russia is 11-12 million patients (about 7% of population). This is a great long-term problem, because a lot of patients are not diagnosed, so they don’t receive any treatment and have high risk of vascular complications.Severe consequences of the global pandemic of DM include its vascular complications: nephropathy, retinopathy, coronary, cerebral and peripheral vascular disease. These conditions are responsible for the majority of cases of diabetes-related disability and death.In accordance with the Federal Law № 489-FZ of 25.12.2018 medical care should be provided on the basis of the clinical recommendations. Therefore, clinical recommendations posted in the rubricator of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (https://cr.minzdrav.gov.ru) being the priority.This edition of the Algorithms for Specialized Care for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus contains the main information from the clinical guidelines for the management of diabetes mellitus in adults and children (“Type 1 Diabetes in Children (2022)”, “Type 1 Diabetes in Adults (2022)”, “Type 2 diabetes mellitus in children (2021)”, “Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults (2022)”), as well as the updated data.New information has been added about indications for using of antihyperglycemic drugs and their instructional restrictions; algorithm of treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been updated; clarifications have been made on the range of glycemic control in pregnant women; information on the treatment of diabetic complications and the management of pediatric patients has been added. In 2023, Russian diabetology suffered an unbearable loss - Alexander Yuryevich Mayorov, who was the executive editor of the previous issues and an active participant of the work on all the previous editions of “Algorithms” from the moment they were founded, passed away. This publication is dedicated to the memory of Alexander Yuryevich, who was an example of the service to patients and medicine, a friend, teacher, mentor, generously sharing his knowledge and the sample of the execution of the medical duty to all of us. On behalf of the Working Group

Highlights from the 82nd ADA Scientific Sessions and the 58th EASD Meeting on Diabetic Neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the commonest diabetic complications. It affects 30-50% of people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and may cause severe pain and foot ulcers. Distal symmetric polyneuropathy and diabetic autonomic neuropathy are the main manifestations of diabetic neuropathy. The American Diabetes Association's (ADA) 82nd Scientific Sessions took place in June 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the 58th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting was held in September 2022 in Stockholm, Sweden. Herein, we describe interesting studies in the field of diabetic neuropathy presented in these two meetings.